A Southern Towns Itinerary

A Journey along the South Atlantic to the Gulf Coast

and up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers

Richmond the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson and featuring a hidden dome and one of Virginia’s most treasured works of art, is the oldest continually-operating legislative assembly in the Western Hemisphere. Stroll along Monument Avenue, the only street in the United States to be named a National Historic Landmark, and take in its impressive historic homes or follow the cobblestone streets of Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom. 

Asheville has a fascinating past; experience a walking itinerary that commemorates the city’s most significant cultural, educational, social and architecture stories; a museum without walls. Urban Farm and Mountain Trails Gourmet Cuisine Public Art Music Heritage and a Bohemian Culture.

Charleston was founded in 1670 and is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel pre-Civil-War-era houses, particularly in the bustling French Quarter and Battery areas. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a Federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, lies across the water.

Architecture Diverse Neighborhoods History and Southern Charm

Savannah was founded in 1733 on the Savannah River, it became the colonial capital and later the first state capital of Georgia. Its port was of strategic importance during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. The city lies on the Savannah River, approximately 20 miles -32 km - upriver from the Atlantic Ocean. It is also located near the Intracoastal Waterway. 

We have developed anchor locations from which you can best base your travel movements, mindful that you are likely to visit three to four places in a compressed period of time, typically 7 to 10 days, and experience multiple interests that range from cultural to culinary, wellness and the environment. 

Smart Trip Planning 

Logistics Locations Costs Time and Personalized Solutions

Mobile is located at the head of Mobile Bay and the Central Gulf Coast. Mobile was founded by the French in 1702. During its first 100 years, Mobile was a colony of France, Britain and Spain; it became a part of the United States of America in 1813. Mobile Bay is the fourth largest estuary in the US.

The original settlement of New Orleans and the oldest neighborhood in the city is Vieux Carre, better known as the French Quarter. Established by the French in 1718, the location continues to be a valuable site for trade due to its strategic position along the Mississippi River. The district is a National Historic Landmark and is bordered by popular streets, such as Canal, Decatur and Rampart Streets and Esplanade Avenue.

Sights Sounds and Culinary Traditions of the Mississippi Regions

Delta is a melting pot of cultures – from African to Italian to Asian. Capital-River from a mighty river and antebellum mansions to downtowns with restaurants featuring soul food, authentic ethnic dishes and modern culinary delights. Pines barbecue and bakeries, cheese and cheesecakes, the tastes of this region take their influences from their Native American heritage. Hills home to William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and Southern fiction characters, platters of fried chicken, skillets of cornbread, and delicacies such as pecan pie. Coast golf, gambling, art, architecture and great food. 

Memphis is a city with a rich and eclectic history. Some of the city’s traditions and milestones include: Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley, the Memphis Zoo, the Indie Memphis Film Festival, Sun Studio, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Beale Street Music Festival.

Nashville has been the subject of many books, movies and songs. But, while music is the lifeblood of this city, you will also find here culture, history, haute cuisine, sports, natural beauty and especially Southern charm.

Derbies Diversity Sluggers Bourbon Food Historic Architecture and Parks

Louisville is centrally located along the Ohio River and is one America’s most accessible cities within a day’s drive of more than half the nation’s population. The city has a colorful past, from its frontier founding at the time of the American Revolution, to early 19^th century steamboats and as a Union base during the Civil War. Strategically located at the Falls of the Ohio, Louisville was a major commercial center with river transportation supplemented by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

The Widest Point on the Ohio River is One Mile just west of downtown Louisville

Travel Logistics Move in one direction. Anchor your stays in strategic locations conveniently located near points of interest. Take in sites, meals and other planned events in a hub and spoke fashion and enjoy the places and the people you are visiting. 

Arezza develops and manages personalized travel itineraries, an in-depth knowledge of your destinations and superior client service throughout your trip.

for Your Southern Towns Itinerary

Local Knowledge – Global Reach

 

The Fifth Avenue Historic District in Nashville Tennessee

The Fifth Avenue Historic District is significant both in Nashville's commercial history and architectural development. Located in the central business district, this area has traditionally been the retail center of the city and its architecture is reflective of a period of prosperity from 1870 to the 1930s.

The buildings pre-date 1935 and most retain their original architectural character

Before the Civil War the Fifth Avenue area was characterized by up to three- story brick stores and residences while most of the city's commercial activities centered on nearby Second Avenue. The post-war prosperity brought about an expansion of activities with the Church Street and Fifth Avenue area one of the main centers of this development. Companies specializing in dry goods and clothing relocated here. Property changed hands often during this period with new brick buildings erected on the site of former residences and vacant lots.

The oldest buildings from this era are the St. Cloud Block and the Thompson Building both of which were constructed in the late 1860s. The St. Cloud Block was built on the site of the St. Cloud Hotel and was a major storehouse for three businesses. One of the developers was Charles Thompson who opened an adjacent dry goods company in 1868 at 213 Fifth Avenue North. On Fourth Avenue the 219-221 Building was constructed in 1871; occupied by the McEwen Steam Laundry Company, it was the largest cleaning establishment in the city. All three buildings were three-story with Second Empire and Italianate detailing.

Between 1870 and 1890 seven major buildings were constructed along Fifth Avenue, Fourth Avenue and Church Street. Most of these were designed in the Italianate, Romanesque or Chicago commercial styles. Occupants of these buildings catered to middle and upper-class women who shopped for clothing, shoes, sewing goods and household items. Other establishments listed were music teachers, hair dressers, and sewing machine companies.

Many of Nashville's department stores opened their doors in the area during the late 19^th century

Another major business of this period was the Jesse French Piano Company, one of the largest piano makers in the South, which constructed the ornate building at 240 Fifth Avenue in 1889. Other major businesses including the Kress Company, W.T. Grant Company, and Woolworths have or continue to occupy buildings in the district.

During the 1890s a distinctly Victorian phenomenon appeared in the downtown area. Fourth Avenue between Church and Union became known as the "Men's Quarter" with the city's most famous saloons and gambling houses located along this block. The corresponding block on Fifth Avenue became the center for women's shopping where businesses catered primarily to female clients.

Between 1890 and 1910 the Fifth Avenue area reached its height of popularity as the retail center of the city. In 1903 the Nashville Arcade created a new shopping complex for the downtown area along this block between Fourth and Fifth. Motion picture theatres were found along Fifth Avenue. At 235 Fifth Avenue was the Strand Theatre, and on the east side of the street was the Rex and Fifth Avenue Theatres. These early theatres provided amusement for children while mothers shopped along the street. Construction of new retail establishments continued along Church Street and Fifth Avenue into the 1930s. The last building erected in the district was the five-story Art Deco Kress Building constructed in 1935; although many storefronts or interiors were altered in later years, the basic architectural configuration of the district remained unchanged. These properties constitute an important architectural, historical and commercial resource reflective of the evolution of downtown Nashville.

Nashville Tennessee

Music City Southern Charm History Culture and Haute Cuisine

Nashville has been the subject of many books, movies and songs. But, while music is the lifeblood of this city, you will also find here culture, history, haute cuisine, sports, natural beauty and especially Southern charm.

Food Scene Nashville's creative spirit can also be appreciated in its kitchens, from casual barbecue to fine dining, the use of local ingredients and unique culinary experiences.

The Jack Daniel Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and where the magic of brewing this world-famous Tennessee Whiskey all happens. Where Mr. Jack first crafted the recipe for Old No. 7 and where the pure, iron-free cave spring water flows.

The General Jackson Showboat is the world’s grandest showboat; experience world-class country music entertainment and delicious meals prepared by award-winning chefs

Antebellum South once a world renowned thoroughbred horse farm, the Belle Meade Plantation dates from 1853; explore the Root Cellar, the South's largest Smoke House, the family Herb Garden, and sample Tennessee wine at the new winery on the grounds.

Experience Home Style Barbecue and Line Dancing Lessons at the Wildhorse Saloon

Visual Arts 5th Avenue of the Arts is located just off Broadway. Here you will find several visual art galleries on one historic block including:

The Arts Company known as a prime destination for fresh, original, and contemporary artwork in photography, painting, and sculpture,

The Rymer Gallery whose goal is to foster artwork that entices, engages, and lures artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to Nashville’s expanding art scene, and

Tinney Contemporary that focuses on cutting-edge contemporary artwork from international artists.  

The Johnny Cash Museum features the most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world.

Grand Ole Opry what began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today live-entertainment dedicated to honoring country music's rich history and dynamic present with a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. 

Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and Historic RCA Studio B. See it. Live it. Experience it. More than a museum; an exciting and entertaining destination in Nashville with something for everyone. Rhinestone costumes, seasoned instruments and tear-stained lyric sheets are accompanied by interactive exhibits, films featuring top country names and sessions with professional songwriters.

Historic RCA Studio B the Home of 1,000 Hits

Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 and is designated a National Historic Landmark. By day, take a guided museum and backstage tour and record your own CD in the new Ryman Recording Studio. In the evening, return for a show or concert at this premier performance hall.